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Domestic flights up by 3.4% during upcoming winter schedule: DGCA

The schedule, effective from October 26 to March 28, 2026, includes operations to and from 126 airports across the country.

Published on: Oct 24, 2025 05:47 PM IST
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India’s domestic aviation sector is likely to see 26,495 flights in operation per week during the upcoming Winter Schedule 2025 (WS25), reflecting a 3.4% rise in weekly departures compared to the summer season, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The newly inaugurated Phase 1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport. (X)
The newly inaugurated Phase 1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport. (X)

The schedule approved by the aviation regulator, effective from October 26 to March 28, 2026, was finalised after the slot conference held in September, and includes operations to and from 126 airports across the country.

According to the data provided by the civil aviation ministry, the number of airports served has, however, dropped from 129 in the Summer Schedule 2025 (SS25), as services were suspended from seven airports, namely Aligarh, Moradabad, Chitrakoot, Bhavnagar, Ludhiana, Pakyong and Shravasti. However, Amravati, Hissar, Purnia and Rupsi have been added as new destinations for scheduled airlines in the winter schedule.

According to the DGCA, IndiGo, country’s largest airline, continues to dominate the domestic network with 15,014 departures per week, followed by Air India (4,277) and Air India Express (3,171). SpiceJet will operate 1,568 flights weekly, while Akasa Air has 1,027 scheduled departures.

When compared with WS24, most airlines have been observed to expand their capacity. IndiGo’s weekly flights rose from 13,691 to 15,014, Air India Express from 2,832 to 3,171, and SpiceJet from 1,297 to 1,568. However, combined Air India and Vistara operations saw a dip from 4,779 to 4,277, reflecting the ongoing network integration under the Tata Group.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neha LM Tripathi

Neha LM Tripathi is a Special Correspondent with the National Political Bureau of Hindustan Times. She covers the aviation and railways ministries, and also writes on travel trends. Her work spans national developments, with a focus on policy, people, and the evolving travel landscape. She has 13 years of experience. Before moving to Delhi, she was based in Mumbai, where she began her journey as a journalist. Outside the newsroom, Neha enjoys trekking and travelling.

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